RPRTP Pathway into SANFLW 2021
RPRTP – President and Founder – Rob Clarke’s efforts to try and get a pathway into SANFLW for Central Australians in 2021.
Pinktails players trial game opportunities in SANFWL for NAFC & SAFC in 2021 and 2022
Due to the interest and positive response form the Redtails players in the SANFL Rob Clarke directed his spare time and energies into securing opportunities for our Pinktails ladies with the parallel pathway to the Redtails in SANFL, being with the SANFLW for those that were keen to be involved in the RPRTP space, with intentions to not only improve their football skills and general fitness but to strive to improve their personal and working lives to help create better opportunities for their future aspirations and dreams.
Combined training sessions with both men and women were run on Monday and Wednesdays with structured drills and running sessions implemented and designed by Rob. Tuesdays and Thursdays were for strengthening and conditioning sessions as well as agility and skills sessions on Saturday mornings for those that could attend. This was open to anyone in the community that wanted to be a part of the Redtails Pinktails Right Tracks Program.
Ages ranged from 13 years up to adults into their 30’s. The environment is inviting and encouraging with the seniors getting around the younger ones. Ian Mc Adam, Darren Talbot and Rob Clarke are the key Coaches running these sessions, giving feedback and positive advice and encouragement where needed.
Trial Games with North Adelaide Football Club - 9.10.2021 and 19.10.2021
The first lot of intra-trial games for the North Adelaide Football Club commenced on the 9th October 2021 with Rob, Ian McAdam taking the following girls to Adelaide: Sarah Steele-Park, Doreena Hansen, Thea Wischusen, Lara Harding, Maya Jakubiszyn and Kyanne Campbell. They flew in on the 8th to settle into The Retreat West Beach Park. There was a lot of nervous energy in amongst the group of which Ian and Rob tried to dispel by focussing on the main concepts and fundamentals of football and reminding the girls to only worry about what they can control. When you stop and think about it, the fact that they are flying into a major city with plenty of local candidates that are vying for a position in the team and they don’t know any of the other players, officials or coaches, sometimes up to 6 different coaches, it can become very overwhelming. It certainly took a few of them a quarter or two to settle in especially with the different dialogues and playing set ups used that they weren’t accustom to. Aside from that they all managed to get into the game and showcase some of their unique skills especially our indigenous girls with their pace, agility and gathering skills. The general feedback was pleasing and encouraging, with a definite desire from the coaches to see more as they extended their invitation to our Pinktails players to return for the next trail game on the following weekend.
That is exactly what occurred. Rob, Ian and myself(Alecia) flew back to Adelaide on the 15th October 2021 with Sarah Steele-Park, Doreena Hansen, Shannon Hanning, Armani Francois, Siniva Sa'anga and Kyanne Campbell for North Adelaide FC’s next intra-trial game on the 16th October at Thebarton Oval at 0930am. The girls were split into 3 different teams playing 2x 20-minute quarters before rotating the teams. Extensive amounts of football were played until midday to give their coaches numerous opportunities to view the players and move them about as needed. Our Pinktails girls gave it their best shot when they had opportunities to and if they missed a moment they kept trying and held their heads up with pride knowing they were privileged to be a part of such an amazing new pathway and opportunity. Rob and Ian were like proud Fathers as they watched their Pinktails get right in amongst the play when opportunities came their way. They most certainly didn’t look out of place and came away from the event with positive feedback to work on and extra fitness to build upon and acquire.
Here is a comment from NAFC’s Head Coach - Krissie Steen.
“I was asked what the Pinktail players were like when they headed down to Adelaide for our two trial games and if they managed to keep up. Well, that gave me a chuckle. Did they keep up?
No, they didn’t. They lead the way in athleticism, attitude and talent.
The relationship North Adelaide Football club has with the Pinktails this year is one close to my heart, but after seeing what the girls from that program can do, I’m now extremely excited to watch what they become.
It’s very clear as a coach looking in that the program they’re part of is very professional, well planned and well coached.
The girls not only have skill but they have the attitude of future champions.
Couple that with great game sense and their willingness to Dare To Be Great (our aim this year), there is no doubt we will see them running out in the SANFLW League wearing the Rooster colours.
We are extremely proud to be adding the Pinktails logo to our guernsey as a gesture of pride and to show our connection with their great program.
Watch this space and don’t be too surprised to see some of them eventually running out in the AFLW.”
RPRTP engaged in trial games in SANFLW Clubs -RPRTP Facebook post 19.10.2021
What an absolute incredible opportunity that the RPRTP is creating for our young Central Australian talent.
North Adelaide were blown away today by the display these 6 strong women put on at Elizabeth Oval, out of their comfort zone playing in North Adelaide’s pre 2022 selection series trial match.
The feedback from the coaches today was absolutely remarkable. Well done ladies.
These opportunities are only going to grow, they are available to those who have not only the talent to make it all the way but also the won’t to commit and help others better their strength fitness and ultimately their lives by encouraging and helping each other to push, push and push for greater things.
It all starts at RPtails academy training on Monday/Wednesday’s (Albrecht Oval) 5:30pm & Saturday morning (Head Street Oval) 8:00am.
Men, Lads, Women & girls from the Central Australian region are all WELCOME.
More trial matches for all genders and age groups are coming fast. STOP THE EXCUSES GET INVOLVED. See you Monday. RPRTP. Team
Trial Game with South Adelaide Football Club - 17.12.2021
The South Adelaide Football Club Intra-trial game was held on the 17th December 2021, just one week prior to Christmas which was a little nerve wracking especially with all the Covid regulation and border requirements changing all the time, needing proof of double vaccinations and so forth. With some safety measures put in place to avoid going to heavily populated areas and to remain mostly at our accommodation at The Retreat West Beach Parks and enjoy the beach just over the sand dune pre and post-game instead of dining out and shopping and the likes. Fortunately, all went well and our Pinktail ladies Armani Francois, Brylee Kerrin, Caitlin Couch, Doreena Hansen, Lara Harding, Maya Jakubiszyn, Moesha McCormack, Sarah Steele-Park, Shannon Hanning, Thea Wischusen and Vanessa Stokes got to displayed their talents and footy skills. We flew in on Friday the 17th and settled into our cabins at West Beach Parks to enjoy the seaside venue with all its great amenities. The nerves were certainly present for the girls as we headed off to Flinders University Stadium Saturday morning, what a great venue for a football club, oh how we would love something like this for our RPRTP to operate from. The ladies were welcomed into the South Adelaide changerooms to be fitted into playing gear and then the head coach Rick went through some of the play scenarios and language used on the field answering any questions our girls had along the way in their debriefing room. All the players were divided into 3 teams that played each other on a rotation scenario to allow a rest period as it was quite a warm day. Our Pinktails Ladies got in amongst the play when given the opportunity to showcase to the SAFC coaches what they could do if selected in their squads for 2022. Some took a few goes to find their place and confidence, but all in all everyone did very well with their efforts. Of course, the higher level of football illustrated some areas for each individual to work on, but that is the whole point and benefit of such an opportunity. This gives our girls an opportunity to challenge themselves in a higher league than their local competition to allow then to see where they need to improve and develop to get to a higher level of expertise in their football careers.
Then a second trial game on the 29th January 2022 of which the following Pinktails attended with Rob, Ian and myself (Alecia): Armani Francois, Brylee Kerrin, Caitlin Couch, Doreena Hansen, Kyanne Campbell, Lara Harding, Maya Jakubiszyn, Moesha McCormack, Sarah Steele-Park, Shannon Hanning, Thea Wischusen and Vanessa Stokes. With improved fitness from a months’ worth of extra trainings more great football was showcased by the players leaving the South Adelaide Coaches with plenty to contemplate with player selections for SANFLW Season 2022.
RPRTP SANFLW trial game with SAFC - RPRTP Facebook update 18.12.2021 and 29.01.2022
That’s a wrap. Our ladies were sensational today. No surprise to us but we believe they surprised a few at South Adelaide.
Thank you to South Adelaide Football Club. An incredible experience for all.
Caitlin played midfield all game in the Seniors and played extremely well. Effort after effort, multiple clearances and smooth skills. What an amazing day for our women.
Will update on the North Adelaide ladies a little later. When info comes to hand. Obviously, the South Adelaide Coaches were very happy with all four that represented Central Australia - RPRTP today, being signed on to South Adelaide directly after the two matches.
Paving the way for our younger ones to come. Absolutely well-done ladies..
